Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator
Each summer, Georgia 4-H holds its annual meeting for the purpose of electing state officers and reviewing the state 4-H constitution. This meeting is called State Council and is held at Rock Eagle. The dates for this year’s State Council are June 21-23. Cost is $110 ($55 if you competed in DPA this school year) for the weekend. The event is open to current 8th – 12th grade 4-H members. This will cover meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, lodging for Friday and Saturday nights, and the weekend’s events. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please sign up as soon as possible if you are interested in attending this event. The registration fee is due in the 4-H office by Friday, May 24.
Dean Award Portfolios
Georgia senior 4-H members can compete in the Dean Awards competition by submitting a cumulative portfolio of their 4-H career. The five areas of competition include: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Citizenship, Communications and the Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Leadership. Award winners become Master 4‑H’ers and receive a $500 scholarship.
The portfolio entry deadline for Coffee County is Friday, May 17, by 4 PM. Interviews will be held on Friday, June 21, at Rock Eagle before the beginning of State 4-H Council. 4‑H members interested in this competition should start NOW preparing their portfolio and practicing their interviewing skills.
Clovers & Co. Applications
Talented musicians, singers, and dancers are encouraged to apply and audition for Georgia 4‑H Clovers & Co. This group is made up of 4-H members from all across Georgia. Each year, 4-H members submit their application, prepare an audition, and try out for the group. It is really tough to get a spot in Clovers and Co. Currently, Evie Woodward is a member of the 2108-2019 Clovers and Co. cast. Applications are due in the Coffee County Extension office by May 10 and auditions will be held at Rock Eagle 4‑H Center in early June. Contact the Coffee County Extension office for more details at (912) 384-1402.
Dairy Poster Contest
The theme for this year’s Dairy Poster Contest is “Get More with Milk-Dairy Is In Our DNA!” 4-H members can create and submit posters which can be 14″ x 22″ in size. Prizes of gift cards are given for each age division (Cloverleaf, Junior, & Senior). Gift cards are $100 for 1st, $75 for 2nd, and $50 for 3rd. Entries are due in the Coffee County Extension office by Friday, April 26.
Photo Contests
Each year, Georgia 4-H offers five contests for members who are interested in photography. Photos must be submitted in digital file. The images cannot be altered and must be submitted as they were taken. Entries for the photo contest are due in the Coffee County 4-H office by May 1 in order to receive points for the reward trip. It is due to the State 4-H office by July 31. Please start taking pictures early so you will have some great photos to select from for your entries into these contests.
The five contests include Focus on Agriculture and STEM (farming or science related); Focus on Camp and Environmental Education; Focus on Citizenship, Leadership, and Service; Focus on Healthy Living; and Focus on Volunteerism.
Remember, photos must be taken by the 4-H member or volunteer who is submitting them. Start now so you will have some great photos from which to choose. There are great opportunities to get photos year round in South Georgia, so take advantage of this opportunity and get some great photos to enter into this contest. Visit the Coffee County 4‑H website under web links for contest rules.
If you would like to learn how you can become more involved with the Coffee County 4-H program, please contact the Coffee County Extension office at (912) 384-1402 or visit our website at http://coffee4h.org.